Marvin Dale Travelstead

Marvin Dale Travelstead, 74, of Rector, formerly of Creal Springs, Ill., lost his battle with cancer and went home to be with his Lord on Friday, Oct. 5, 2007.

Born Sept. 10, 1933, in Creal Springs to the late Walter and Bessie (Sims) Travelstead, he was a veteran of the Korean War and had worked through his career as an orchard worker, a factory worker and was employed at Norge/Maytag in Herrin, Ill., and Darling Fixtures in Paragould, where he retired.

He was an ordained Missionary Baptist minister and was the pastor at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Success. He enjoyed his family, his service to God, helping his neighbors and hobbies of woodworking and rock crafts.

He also was preceded in death by brothers, Clarence and Kenneth Jack, and sisters, Ferne Reed, Esther Carter and Mae Jack.

Survivors include his loving wife, Marie (Odum) Travelstead of the home; three daughters, Janie and Ken Michael of Camden, Ind., Genevieve (Genny) and Kenny Burns of Rector and Davao City, Philippines, and Mary and Paul Hester of Paragould; two sons, Larry and Gail Travelstead of Salem and Gary Travelstead of Dallas, Texas; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Wayne and Alvin Eugene of Illinois, and his sister, Ruth Messier of Michigan.

Visitation was held at the First General Baptist Church in Rector from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, with a service held at 8 p.m. at the church with Elder Eddie Gene Wright, Kenny Burns, son-in-law, and Jeremy Bundren, grandson, officiating. Burial was at Creal Springs Cemetery Monday, Oct. 8, after visitation and a service in Illinois at the Cosby Funeral Home in Creal Springs.

Irby Funeral Home of Rector was in charge of arrangements.